Subversive dramas

Well done dramas (mostly romance) with subversive elements including but not limited to: noona storylines; "strong female characters"; multiple complex female characters (or even just one ;_;); explores societal standards of beauty, relationships, life goals, gender; etc.

Will probs have to include multiple of aforementioned elements. And sometimes it's just vibes

nanna_ Apr 6, 2024

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1. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

10

she strong...duh. could crush him like a lil grape
2. The Beauty Inside

Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

9.5

FL turns into different people, very cool explorations on identity (kickass sign language scene)
3. My ID Is Gangnam Beauty

Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

10

well developed commentary on beauty and beauty standards (i have a full review on show)
4. Romance Is a Bonus Book

Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

9.5

noona storyline, female lead is wonderfully complex, female divorcee going back into the workforce (societal expectations on women, on divorced women)
5. It's Okay, That's Love

Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes

competent and cool female lead, addresses intimacy and relationships well (on hold but will eventually finish bc i do think that second lead dude and young girl are kinda a weird plotline tbqh as of where i am)
6. Search: WWW

Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

10

my queens, doing queen things, making queen mistakes
7. Because This Is My First Life

Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

9.5

well written female lead, very introspective, great female friendships
8. Mr. Queen

Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes

9.5

gendered body switch (which doesnt automatically put a show on this list but i think this one does it well). great colorful cast of female characters. added element of exploring gender in two separate eras of different yet samely derivative societal expectations on women's roles
9. Fight for My Way

Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

8.5

i watched so long ago i kinda forget but i think the female lead is written well lmfao
10. I Hear Your Voice

Korean Drama - 2013, 18 episodes

9.0

noona storyline, female lead is a bitch and i love her for it
11. Mr. Sunshine

Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes

7.5

valentines day wish: me, Ae Shin, and her gun at my head *heart eyes* Dong Mae u can come too
12. She Would Never Know

Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

9.0

noona storyline
13. Hotel del Luna

Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

thats a girlboss gaslight gatekeep if ive ever seen it
14. Witch's Romance

Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes

noona storyline, confident (and can back it up) female lead
15. It's Okay to Not Be Okay

Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

10

shes psycho but cute
16. When the Camellia Blooms

Korean Drama - 2019, 40 episodes

noona storyline, single mom
17. The Tale of Nokdu

Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes

8.5

male cross dresser lets goooooo
18. Live Up to Your Name

Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

8.0

shes a doctor ur honor
19. Cunning Single Lady

Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes

9.0

love me a plotting, scheming woman. show portrays her sympathetically so it's not like she becomes typical evil washed up scheming lady stereotype
20. Angry Mom

Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes

9.0

shes a mom bullying kids. its ok they had it coming
21. Coffee Prince

Korean Drama - 2007, 17 episodes

8.0

wasn't gonna add it bc i didnt think female protag dressing up as a guy was enough but then remembered the queer elements which makes it very distinct from other romances where the female lead also dresses up as a man. **spoiler** unlike most of those other shows, the male lead doesnt find out shes a girl until after they get together so i just love how that added queer complexity to this show